We aim to provide all students with a world-class education. By fostering an environment that values diversity, we hope to help all students find their place in our college.
If you have questions about any diversity-related initiative in the college, please contact the EMS Office of the Associate Dean for Educational Equity.
Pre-College and Research Programs
- Upward Bound Math and Science — The Summer Experiences in Earth and Mineral Sciences (SEEMS) is a program where the College hosts approx. 50 high school students from urban areas. The students are then split up and placed in research groups, supervised by faculty and graduate students. In addition to the research they perform, they take academic classes to help prepare them for college matriculation.
- Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) — The Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is an eight-week research program designed to interest talented undergraduate students from underrepresented groups in academic careers and to enhance their preparation for graduate study through intensive research experiences with faculty mentors. In addition to the research experience, the program includes professional development workshops, seminars, field trips, and social activities.
Undergraduate Research Experiences
- WISER/MURE/FURP — is a one-year research experience program offering students the opportunity to collaborate with a research team, learn the language of research and use high-tech equipment.
WISER: Women in Science and Engineering Research is available to freshmen women; MURE: Minority Undergraduate Research Experience is available to underrepresented minority students who are freshman, sophomores, or juniors(African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander); FURP: Freshman Undergraduate Research Program is available to all freshmen; those with economic hardship are encouraged to apply.
Student Organizations for Underrepresented Students
Here is a small sampling of some of the student organizations our students have been involved with during their time at Penn State. Penn State has many more student organizations, which you can browse through in the student organization directory.
- Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
- Society of Women Engineers
- Supportive network for Women in Meteorology (SWIM)
- Supporting Women in Geography (SWIG)
- Association for Women Geoscientists
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Phi Sigma Rho Sorority (Women in science and engineering)
Campus Resources for Underrepresented Students
- Penn State Treasure — Guide to multicultural resources at Penn State, put together by underrepresented students at Penn State
- Special Living Options — Live with and learn from classmates who share similar interests as you. The ALLY House provides an open, safe, and inclusive living environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and ally students. The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) House offers a supportive environment for women students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
- Paul Robeson Cultural Center
- Multicultural Resource Center
- Commission on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Equity (CLGBTE)
- LGBTQA Student Resource Center Site
- Center for Women Students
- Map of gender-neutral bathrooms
- Resources for adult learners
- Prior Learning Assessment — how to request academic credit for equivalent life experience
- Office of Veterans Programs
- Millennium Scholars — a scholarship program and support network designed to foster diversity with STEM fields
Getting Help or Assistance
Penn State offers numerous resources specifically for underrepresented students seeking assistance with a variety of concerns. We also encourage you to contact staff in our Office for the Associate Dean for Educational Equity, who can work with you and may be able to point you to additional resources.